News car World

Opel/Vauxhall RAK

2011-10-19T00:30:00.000-07:00

Opel/Vauxhall has released images of the RAK e concept prior to its unveiling at the Frankfurt motor show next week. Billed as a car that ‘could revolutionize urban transport', it's clear that the company is thinking along similar lines to Volkswagen (Nils) and Audi (Urban Concept). Frankfurt's shaping up to offer a feast of these new single or tandem seat concept vehicles that conceptually sit in between a scooter and a small car.

The RAK e is a two-seat, battery-powered electric vehicle that has been inspired by Opel/Vauxhall's range-extended electric car, the Ampera. It is capable of a 60-mile range and a top speed of 75mph. The company is promoting the vehicle as offering a fun driving experience, thanks to the tandem seat arrangement and low curb weight (said to be around one-third of that of an average small car).

Opel/Vauxhall is still being tight-lipped about the vehicle at present, but says that further details will be revealed when the vehicle is revealed at the Frankfurt show next Tuesday.

Eterniti Hemera

2011-10-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

Eterniti Motors, the new British boutique manufacturer, today released further details of its prototype super-SUV, the Hemera.

The Hemera is essentially a heavily re-worked Porsche Cayenne, which features a ‘limousine-like rear cabin' that boasts a plethora of luxury additions such as Maybach-esque twin electric reclining seats, an iPad for each passenger and a drinks chiller.

The carbon-composite bodied SUV will be hand-built in London and aims to deliver ‘considerable' driver appeal in addition to its limousine moniker which, according to Eterniti, offer customers the option of being chauffeured as well as being driven.

Seat IBL

2011-10-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

Seat has unveiled its new IBL saloon and sports coupe crossover concept car, announcing that it is the next evolution of its design DNA.

While the exterior of the IBL is understated, much emphasis has been placed on the design of the interior. Technology within the car displays information in three programs – ‘Travel' for relaxed driving, ‘Sport' for concentrated driving or ‘Efficiency' for focused fuel-efficiency of the plug-in hybrid drive.

A central secondary display is dedicated to the communications and information systems. The navigation system links with Google Earth and real-time traffic information to decide the most efficient route, with the information systems accessed through two touch pads located on the steering wheel spokes. The cockpit is very much driver-orientated, with the main display behind the steering wheel being able to program according to the driver's preferences.

Honda Civic

2011-10-13T00:29:00.000-07:00

Honda has released the first images of its new Civic ahead of its launch today at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show.

The Civic's flowing exterior design is said to have been inspired by the ‘blended wing body' airplane, in which the wings and fuselage blend into one entity for improved performance.

The designers have kept the sporty and advanced elements of the car's character but have adapted them to emphasize the dynamism of the new Civic. Most of the body components of the car have been redesigned, improving the design of the interior while keeping the level of space available within the cabin.

Subaru XV

2011-10-11T00:29:00.000-07:00

Subaru has revealed the new XV at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, taking the company into the compact crossover segment for the first time.

Like its concept precursor, the XV features a hexagonal grille and 'hawk eye' headlamps, designed to emphasize the vehicle's brand identity. Alloy wheels and cut-away cladding also aim to give the car a distinctive feel. The front and rear corners of the bumpers are equipped with special edges, designed to improve fuel efficiency and enhance aerodynamics.

The new crossover's interior is designed to allow the passengers plenty of room, with a spacious cargo area and enlarging of the door's opening dimensions allowing for better ease of access. The interior is made up of leather, metal, and cloth in an effort to draw attention to the stylish nature of the car. The Multi-Function Display (MFD) gives the driver and passengers information, with higher specification models containing a large 4.3-inch full-color screen catering for all infotainment needs.

Maserati Kubang

2011-10-09T00:29:00.000-07:00

Maserati today unveiled its new Kubang sport luxury SUV, the Italian brands's first foray into the segment. The Kubang, making its debut at the Frankfurt motor show, is said to be the forerunner of the future Maserati range.

Previously revealed in concept form at the 2003 Detroit motor show, Maserati claims the production version of the Kubang maintains the main features of its concept precursor, such as the style, engine, suspensions, brakes, handling and performance.

The manufacturer has for years been producing sedans, coupes and two or four-seater convertibles, but the Kubang is the first of its kind to be created by Maserati. It aims to enlarge its product range and appeal to different sections of society.

BMW

2011-10-07T00:28:00.000-07:00

BMW has revealed a new electric scooter concept, the Concept e, at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show as part of BMW Motorrad's focus on issues of individual single-track mobility.

The Concept e, which was presented alongside BMW's electric i3 and i8 vehicles, is designed to convey the importance that BMW sees in the emotional dialogue between the rider and the vehicle. The Concept e is immediately recognizable as a BMW motorcycle, with the ‘split face' running from the upper trim section to above the front wheel cover. The front and rear side trim sections are finished in 'light white' to contrast starkly the ‘black chrome light' and ‘black chrome dark' used on the upper trim section and side sills respectively. The design of the light alloy wheels is designed to link the Concept e to the BMW i cars.

The Concept e contains two video cameras in the rear light cluster casing, replacing rear mirrors by displaying all activity behind the rider on two LCD monitors located in the cockpit. Other information including vehicle speed is shown on a digital display in the cockpit, which BMW Motorrad has reduced to contain the bare minimum of equipment.

Mercedes-Benz F125

2011-10-05T00:28:00.000-07:00

Mercedes today revealed the F125 concept at the Frankfurt motor show. Claimed to represent ‘a radical reinterpretation of a sports sedan', the new car is also said to preview the next generation S-Class.

Created in close collaboration between the technical research and development departments, as well as the Advanced Design Studios in Sindelfingen and Carlsbad, CA, Mercedes says the exterior design of the F125 is a further development of the company's current design strategy, with organic use of body surfaces, a cab-forward stance and short overhangs. "The real power lies in the elegant, muscular winds and the wheels," says Mercedes-Benz Head of Design Gorden Wagener. "The wheels symbolize electric motors with terminals and coils, and make the drive concept visually tangible as well."

Two gull-wing doors allow access to the cabin, which is further facilitated through the lack of a B-pillar. Developed at the Mercedes-Benz Design Centre in Como, Italy, the assymetrical interior design is said to follow the examples of nature. It is divided into two halves and the contrasts are visually underlined by the color scheme: dark in the front left and light in the right rear. The 17-inch display in the front passenger area is controlled by hand-gestures.

Fisker Surf

2011-10-03T00:28:00.000-07:00

Fisker has unveiled its new eco-friendly plug-in hybrid Surf vehicle at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show.

The Surf, which the company claims is the world's first electric luxury/sports automobile, follows up the Fisker Karma's electric vehicle with extended range, but has additional cargo capacity and load carrying capabilities. The Surf weighs in at only 66 pounds more than the Karma sedan, despite increased glass and bodywork.

This is Fisker's latest addition to its Karma platform, in which the manufacturer hopes to create a new market niche. The Surf is due to be released worldwide in time for the 2013 model year.

Gordon Murray Teewave AR.1

2011-10-01T00:27:00.000-07:00

Gordon Murray Designs has announced the latest addition to its range of electric vehicles in the form of a two-seat sports car. Following on from the diminutive T.25 city car, the Teewave AR.1 is an all-electric roadster that features a carbon monocoque chassis, designed in such a way that it can be applied to a variety of vehicle types.

The AR.1 sports car was designed in close collaboration with Toray Industries, a Japanese carbon fiber specialist. The extensive application of the composite material results in the car weighing in at 400kg less than the Tesla Roadster.

Speaking of the achievements of the AR.1 Professor Murray said: "The resultant vehicle weight of just 850Kg achieved using Toray's carbon fiber once again proves that performance through light weight is the most efficient and environmentally-friendly way to achieve power to weight targets."

Skoda

2011-09-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

Kicking-off Skoda's ‘New Small Family' model offensive is this, the Citigo. Based upon the Volkswagen Up, the Citigo retains its counterpart's dimensions, flexible interior and focus on providing affordable urban transport for the masses. It will go on sale in the Czech market by the end of this year and the rest of Europe in 2012. The three-door city car will later be joined by a four-door version, whose format was previewed in its VW format by the Cross Up at Frankfurt.

To visually distance itself from its Volkswagen roots, the Citigo adopts a Skoda family appearance, with the new corporate grille and more shapely headlights than its VW breathern appearing here. The green hue, whilst a traditional Skoda color, also nods to the environmentally conscious aspects of the car that Skoda is keen to highlight. The downsized engines and stop-start technology are both aspects that are emphasized, the company believing they make the Citigo the ‘ideal city car'.

"The demand for small cars with low fuel consumption, at a favorable price and with reasonable operating costs, is growing," said Skoda Board Chairman Prof. Vahland at the car's launch. "Skoda's new small vehicle is a reaction to this trend. We are entering new ground and the Citigo will attract prospects mainly in our European markets."

Subaru Impreza

2011-06-09T00:45:00.000-07:00

Another follow up from an earlier teaser shot is this, the 2012 Subaru Impreza, which is making its debut at the NY auto show.

Digressing further from its infamous rally-bred history, the latest Impreza is being billed as the most economical AWD car for sale in the US market, and Subaru is also keen to stress the increased ride comfort and interior space of this model, which is claimed to offer unprecedented levels of refinement from an Impreza.

The cars exterior, however, does have some nostalgic references, with the bold arches said to 'emphasize its sporty roots and standard All-Wheel Drive performance'. The majority of the car preserves most of the 2010 L.A Auto Show concept car's design cues, with Subaru claiming that the 2012 Impreza aims to 'stand apart from mainstream compact models'.

Elsewhere, the car gains the a new hexagonal grille, a feature that Subaru is 'a keystone' to all future Subaru designs'. The Impreza's drawn back 'hawkeye' headlights, first featured on the Legacy, are also said to add to the cars sporting intent.

Chevrolet Malibu

2011-06-07T00:45:00.000-07:00

Following on from our earlier report on the all-new 'gloabl' Chevrolet Malibu come these official images from Chevy.

The 2013 year model, is more than just a restyle of the outgoing model. Gaining inches in all dimensions, the Malibu also places a focus on aerodynamics to gain best in segment efficency.

The cars exterior is said to draw from the DNA of its more sporting relatives, the Corvette and Camaro - a feature most noticeable in the tail lamps of the Malibu. The car also adopts a wider stance, with broader shoulders and a more squat manner thanks to a shorter wheelbase and wider tracks.

Inside and the focus switches to a more refined theme, designed to create a more sophisticated feel to everyday driving. The interior has also increased in size, offering passengers four cubic feet of extra space over the outgoing model.

Alfa Romeo Zagato TZ3

2011-06-05T00:44:00.000-07:00

Following on from the Villa D'Este Design Concept Award winning TZ3 Corsa, Zagato has announced the production of nine more TZ3 models.

Unlike the 8C based TZ3 Corsa, the new Stradale will be based upon a Dodge Viper ACR platform and V10 drivetrain, making it the 'first American Alfa Romeo' according to Zagato.

The car is said to be a tribute to Alfa Romeo and Zagato's street legal heritage, and continues the line of cars that ended with the S.Z. and R.Z. in the 90's.

The Stradale boasts a carbon fiber body like the Corsa as well as the 'Kamm-tail' layout, but the rest of the body is new; loosing the shooting brake style silhouette, whilst also sporting a new DRG and new glasshouse sections.

The TZ3 Stradale is a strictly limited run of just nine cars with three cars, commissioned by Alfa Romeo Zagato collector Martin kapp, with the first car being delivered to US based fellow collector, Eric King. Chassis numbers two and three are heading to Japan and Europe respectively.

Aston Martin V12

2011-06-03T00:44:00.000-07:00

The new Aston Martin V12 Zagato has been unveiled ahead of its official debut at the Concorso d'Eleganza this weekend. This latest concept marks the revival Aston Martin's long-standing collaboration with the famed coachbuilder in the 50th anniversary year of the iconic DB4GT.

Based on the V12 Vantage, the Zagato model features the coachbuilder's defining 'double bubble' roof and a new handcrafted aluminum body, which was formed using an English wheel and traditionally crafted body bucks. Each front fender alone comprises seven separate pieces of aluminum, combined and then hand finished.

"The V12 Zagato is an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style," said Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman. "The design team at Gaydon spent time refining the concept using a mixture of the latest computer based modeling techniques along with crafting traditional clay models to give a real world idea of proportion, stance and detail."

BMW 328 Hommage

2011-06-01T00:43:00.000-07:00

BMW used Villa d'Este as the backdrop to unveil the 328 Hommage, a tribute to the historic 1930s Touring Coupe and highly successful road car that celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.

Based on the Vision ConnectedDrive, the 328 Hommage sports many ‘details derived from motor racing’ and is built using CFRP construction to keep overall weight down. Juxtaposing this are sumptuous leather and polished aluminum details. The ConnectedDrive’s DRG has been reworked to embrace an appearance that harks back to the original 328, adopting a dominant matte silver, double kidney grille and large single pod headlights. The leather bonnet straps, exposed tow hook and ‘crossed’ headlight glass are all further explicit references to the original's racing pedigree.

“With the BMW 328 Hommage, we wish to pay homage to the passion and inventiveness of the fathers of the BMW 328”, explains Karl Bäumer, CEO of BMW Group Classic. “They created an icon, which is considered a milestone in the history of the automobile.”

Opel/ Vauxhall Zafira

2011-05-30T11:43:00.001-07:00

Following on from its Geneva motoshow debut, Opel/ Vauxhall have announced that the Zafira Tourer is to head into production. Retaining much of the concept’s overall design, the new Zafira Tourer is heralded as a ‘quantum leap’ from its manufacturers.

An extensively re-designed Flex-7 seating system, focus on improved cabin quality and improved materials sees the Zafira elevated in terms of cabin luxury. This premium quality focus has not come at the expense of practicality, with the Zafira Tourer still offering copious levels of stowage and seating flexibility.

Outside, the car dons an Ampera-esque DRG, featuring the ‘boomerang’ graphics and dominant trapezoidal grille.

In silhouette, the Zafira Tourer is said to be ‘reminiscent of a high-speed train’, with the belt line ‘sweeping up to visually propel the car forward’.

The Zafira also boasts various safety features, such as ‘Lane Departure Warning’ and ‘Forward Collision Alert’, again adding to the focus on safety and premium quality feel.

Kia Rio

2011-04-30T00:20:00.000-07:00

The new Kia Rio made its debut earlier this month, at the 81st Geneva show. Falling in line with the new Kia identity, the Rio now sports the family DRG as well as certain design cues from other models in the range.

The Rio is a significant leap forward over the outgoing car in all areas, adopting a more Germanic feel. The quality, finish and detailing of the Rio is not far behind its European rivals. In addition to this added quality, the B segment car has grown in all directions. Most importantly gaining around three inches in length, which can be found between the wheels, boosting interior space.

The Rio will also sport an extensive range of fuel-efficient and low-CO2 engines, from a 1.1-litre diesel unit to an all-new, high-performance 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine.

Italdesign Go!

2011-04-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

The Go! was one of two concepts by Italdesign Giugiaro that were unveiled at Geneva.

Based on the Volkswagen Up! platform, the Go! boasts a wheelbase similar to the Passat but is less than four meters in length, owing to the absence of sizeable overhangs on the car. Utilizing Volkswagen's blue-e-motion drivetrain, hidden under the front and rear seats, the Go! can travel 240 kilometers, whilst boasting a zero CO² emission reading.

Dominated by the large glasshouse, the Go! is designed to optimize both the feeling of lightness as well as boasting visibility for all passengers.

Renault R-Space

2011-04-26T00:20:00.000-07:00

Following on from the DeZir and Captur, the R-Space took to the stage at Geneva alongside the Twizy and Zoe to complete a healthy concept car showing from Renault.

An upbeat, funky vision of the MPV segment sees the R-Space omit B-pillars in favor of a frameless suicide door set up. This allows uninterrupted access to the interior, which is the main focal point of the concept.

Seemingly split into two sections, the rear has been designed with children in mind and features a bevy of motorized cubes that can alter the seating arrangement for child, adult or even baby seats. Up front, the seats are akin to bucket seats, marking a clear split between the two different 'zones'.

Italdesign Tex

2011-04-24T00:19:00.000-07:00

The second concept from Volkswagen's recently acquired Italdesign was the Tex. A research study into the potential future design language of the German brand, the Tex also draws on existing technologies from Wolfsburg.

Utilizing the 'twin drive' plug-in hybrid system, the Tex is capable of a range of 35 kilometers in electric mode, a range Giugiaro claims is ample enough for day-to-day commuting.

Adopting a sporting pretense, the Tex is low slung, sitting atop large 19-inch diameter wheels and sports an aggressive DRG. The interior also echoes this theme, with a minimalist, driver-focused IP that was designed to give the impression of 'climbing into a sports car.'

Volkswagen Bulli

2011-04-22T00:19:00.000-07:00

An evolution of the Microbus concept unveiled ten years ago, the Bulli is Volkswagen's T1 renaissance.

The Bulli is yet another electric concept that graced the floor in Geneva, boasting a range of around 300 km to a single charge from its 85 kW motor. The two tone exterior, complete with oversized VW emblem is a direct nod to the T1. However, measuring in at just 3990mm in length, 1750mm wide and 1700mm tall the Bulli is smaller, but wider than the original microbus.

Inside, the two bench seats fold flat transforming into a bed, whilst an inbuilt iPad substitutes the conventional IP and provides the car's infotainment.

Toyota HSD

2011-04-20T00:19:00.000-07:00

The Yaris HSD, as presented in Geneva, previews Toyota's intentions of bringing Hybrid technology to the B-Segment, as well as Toyota's full hybrid roll out across all models in its range.

Retaining the familiar Yaris outwardly appearance (and previewing the next generation Yaris) the HSD is interspersed with ‘Hybrid' cues, to intimate at the hybrid powertrain beneath the body.

From the pearl white paint to the light blue hue that illuminates certain aspects, there is an underlying emphasis on the fact that this car is a hybrid. A point Toyota are keen to highlight will trump the current emphasis on fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions within B-segment models.

Fiat 500

2011-04-18T00:18:00.000-07:00

Fiat's little 500 has been around for a while now, but thanks to Zagato the diminutive city car has received a new persona.

The 500 has gained a more coupe-esque silhouette, with everything North of the beltline being new. The 500 Zagato Coupe acquires the trademark ‘double hump' roofline, as well as an evolution of the ‘cross over' C-pillar. The 500 coupe also benefits from new 17 inch alloys and restyled bumpers front and rear, all finished in a ‘pop yellow' palette.

Inside has also seen a thorough reworking as well. The Zagato retains the standard 500 fixtures and fittings, but takes in a similar color scheme to the exterior, all finished in chamois leather and a high tech fabric.

Skoda Vision D

2011-04-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

Geneva heralded a new badge and design language for Skoda. Forming one of the many VAG launches at Geneva was the Vision D.

Blending the boundaries between the VAG subsidiaries even further, the Vision D sports clear influence from others in the portfolio. The minimal, taught lines of the Octavia sized fast back Vision D are very much VAG, but the simplicity, and green hues are most certainly Skoda.

Hinted at being a new model to slide between the Octavia and Fabia, the Vision D will preview the face of the many new Skodas on the verge of the marker. With a new model being planned every six months.

De Tomaso

2011-04-14T00:18:00.000-07:00

The revival of the DeTomaso name sparked an instant nostalgic focus on the infamous Pantera supercar. The Deauville, as unveiled at Geneva, was anything but the low-slung two-seater that people were anticipating.

Penned by Pininfarina, the Deauville is a luxury sport sedan, meausing in at over 5000mm in length and almost 2000mm in width; the car seemingly attempts to blend genres, resulting in a high riding, four-wheel drive sports hatch.

The behemoth of a car is designed around the idea of opulent travel and taking distinguished guests in up most levels of comfort, a far cry from the original sports cars of Alejandro De Tomaso.

Ford B-Max

2011-04-12T00:17:00.000-07:00

The Ford B-Max concept from Geneva previewed more than just an evolution of the Kinetic design language. The B-Max demonstrates a production ready B-pillar-less sliding rear door, as well as other ecologically minded additions, strongly suggesting that the show car is little more than a thinly veiled doppelganger for a production model.

The B segment car is powered by a turbocharged three cylinder, one liter EcoBoost engine, combined with a start-stop mechanism to produce significantly improved economy and CO2 ratings.

However, the main selling point of the B-Max concept is that pillarless sliding rear door arrangement that is said to offer class-leading access to the rear of the car. Add to this an overall length of just over four meters and the B-Max, even if production isn't reached, clearly previews the future of Fords B segment platform.

Magna Steyr Mila

2011-04-10T00:14:00.000-07:00

The Magna Steyr Aero light is the fifth concept car from the subsidiary of automotive supplier Magna. The Aerolight is an A segment car, that tips the scale at just 700kg.

Created so that the cars technologies are apparent in the design, the Aerolight is said to appeal to both design and technology enthusiasts in equal measure. The floating shell of the Aerolight is said to represent both the lightness and aerodynamic qualities of the car, whilst the inner black passenger compartment of the car is said to represent the strength and security of the Aerolight.

BMW 6 Series

2011-04-08T00:13:00.000-07:00

Following on from the recently launched cabriolet variant, BMW has revealed the all-new, technologically advanced 2+2 seat 6 Series coupe.

Now in its third generation, the 6 Series features a new interpretation of the traditional BMW coupe proportions: low and wide with a long hood and a long wheelbase. Measuring in at 4894mm long and 1894mm wide, the new car is 75mm longer and 39mm wider than its predecessor, but sits 5mm lower to the ground (at 1369mm tall). BMW claims the exterior surfacing was inspired by flowing waves.

As with its predecessor, the interior's asymmetrical layout continues to place an emphasis on the driver. The driver-oriented center stack and console are complemented by taut waistline surfaces, which are carried forward into the IP. Technological advancements include black-panel technology, a freestanding Control Display and a high resolution 10.2-inch flatscreen display in hi-spec models.

BAC Mono

2011-04-06T00:13:00.000-07:00

Another name to emerge amidst the numerous English niche manufacturers, are Briggs Automotive. Taking the fight to cars like the Aerial Atom and Caparo T1, the BAC Mono is a lightweight carbon fiber tubbed single seater, proving that once again less is more in terms of performance.

Boasting a kerb weight of just 540kg, the single seat ‘ultra high performance, road legal sports vehicle' was produced using race-bred technology in order to deliver a purist driving experience. Built with the paradigm of design and engineering excellence in mind, the Mono utilizes extensive bespoke carbon fiber and CNC machined billet aluminum parts in its construction.

With a design that places function over form, parallels can be drawn to its contemporaries, but the single seat layout offers a more focused road racer experience than any other niche vehicle currently available.

Chevrolet Colorado

2011-04-04T00:13:00.000-07:00

General Motors' Chevrolet brand is previewing the next generation midsized Colorado pickup truck in concept form at the Bangkok International Auto Show. The venue was chosen to debut the truck due to the Thai market's prevalence – it is the world's largest market for midsize pickups.

Despite being a show vehicle, the basic proportions and form are said to convey the vision for the next-generation Colorado, whiuch is said to build on Chevrolet's 'strong truck DNA and award-winning heritage.' With a design calling on the inherent strength of Chevy trucks, it is unsurprising to see the exterior boast a broad shouldered and squat demeanor.

The show truck features an extended-cab body atop a high-riding AWD chassis and sits on 20-inch wheels and off-road tires. Inside, the Colorado focuses on delivering a premium feel to occupants, with increased attention to detail and a feeling of improved quality.

Kia Naimo

2011-04-02T00:12:00.000-07:00

As the Seoul Motor Show starts today, Thursday 31st March, Kia is debuting the Naimo all-electric concept.

The concept takes its name from the Korean word ‘Ne-mo' meaning square shape - something that lends itself to the Naimo's aesthetic. The crossover utility vehicle, or CUV, was conceived by Kia's international design team in Seoul and is characterized by its ‘simple lines and solid, muscular stance.'

The simple overall design sports such interjecting details as the wrap-around windscreen and asymmetric sunroof. This mixture of simple and complex is a reference to the common traits of many traditional Korean arts and crafts.

The Naimo's interior was designed to evoke a strong sense of tranquility and features hand-crafted materials throughout such as Korean oak on the floor and door cards, with "Han-ji" paper being used for the head lining. Juxtaposing these traditional elements are modern features such as the transparent organic led display instrument panel.

The concept car has no B-pillars and features ‘suicide' style rear doors to maximize access to the cabin, and a three-way split opening boot-lid, allows for increased access to the load bay for varying luggage sizes.

Chevrolet Miray

2011-03-31T05:12:00.001-07:00

Making its debut at the Seoul Motor Show is the Chevrolet Miray. The Miray, Korean for future, is a hybrid sports car that is the first concept car from the Korean arm of GM. Which, considering its name, aptly represents the future of the brand as well as the ‘future of muscle cars.'

Said to take influence from past Detroit legends such as the 1963 Monza SS and Corvair Super Spyder, the Miray features a pleathora of sporting influences, making its intentions clear. The carbon fiber reinforced plastic body, is said to resemble that of the jet and integrates LM racer-esque vertical doors. Carbon fiber is used extensively throughout the car, through its spoiler and wheels, emphasizin the aerodynamic focus of the car.

Inside also echoes the ‘future' sports theme of the exterior, with a ‘dual cockpit' design that encases both driver and passenger seats. The IP features ambient lighting that further cocoons the occupants, whilst a ‘back projection' system relays the neccesary information, whilst eliminating unnecessary visual cluter.

Nissan Quest

2011-01-25T00:22:00.000-08:00

The Quest joins the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey to make a trio of new full-sized minivans at the 2010 LA auto show. The Quest appears, both from the outside – and gives the impression – inside, of being the largest of the three.

The previous generation Quest featured an undulating shoulder line, replaced on this new model by two key flowing lines on the body sides, one of which wraps around from the hood surface.

The interior has space for at least seven full size adults. The IP combines aesthetic cues from Nissan's 370Z, while the shifter and switchgear are incorporated in a drum-like center console, allowing an uninterrupted floor.

Dodge Charger

2011-01-23T00:21:00.000-08:00

The new Dodge Charger is longer, lower and wider than the model it replaces, but offers even more performance from its 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which now belts out 470bhp and the standard 2.7-liter Pentastar V6 also offers 292bhp and better economy.

Although based on the previous models' platform, the car has been significantly reworked to enhance its driving dynamics with all-new suspension settings, but it also wears bolder sheet-metal.

The interior, benchmarked against European models, features soft touch plastics, a single piece molding for the dash and better colors throughout the range. Ralph Gilles amused those gathered at the press conference by relaying that he has banished the "rat fur gray" color from the repertoire.

Hyundai Elantra

2011-01-21T00:21:00.000-08:00

Hyundai is set to add another vehicle to its list of successes: the new Elantra, which was revealed at the LA auto show this year.

Created by principal designer Cedric d'Andre, the Elantra was the last car conceived under the direction of Hyundai's former design boss, Joel Piaskowski. The new car shares the 'fluidic sculpture' design theme of its larger sibling, the Sonata and has an impressively low 0.28Cd.

Inside, the flowing, sculptural design theme is continued on the doors, the IP and the center stack. Wave-like perforations in the door panels and on the leather seats demonstrate an attention to detail that we're unused to at this level.

Dodge Avenger

2011-01-19T00:20:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Dodge Avenger has allegedly been reengineered from the ground up. But in terms of styling, you’d be hard pressed to spot the difference.

Dodge says that it has imparted a plethora of changes to the mid-sized sedan, with the exterior gaining cleaner and more aggressive lines. Taking in the front of the car, a new, more sculpted front face accompanies the signature Dodge 'split crosshair' grille as well as lower bumper revisions. Elsewhere, the rear bumper has also been revised to suit the cars' more sporting intentions, whilst new light pods front and rear round out the exterior changes.

As with all of Chrysler’s products for 2011, the predominate focus has been on upping the interior quality of its cars. Therefore, once again, the biggest changes for 2011 are found on the inside of the Avenger with an interior benchmarked against European rivals. Utilizing more tactile materials, a new instrument panel, bezels, gauge faces and an all-new multifunction steering wheel, Dodge aims to transform the outgoing model's interior.

Chrysler 200

2011-01-17T04:20:00.000-08:00

With a name change and heavily revised exterior, you could be fooled into thinking that the 200 represents an all-new car. But Chrysler’s new mid-sized sedan is little more than a heavily revised Sebring.

The exterior retains the same side profile as the existing model, albeit with tighter definition to the details. The car sports a new face, incorporating the signature grille and accompanied by new projector headlamps, whilst the Crossfire-esque ribbed bonnet has been dropped in favor of a smoother item to complement the overall cleaner surfaces of the car. Around the back, new LED clusters accompany a new, higher rear deck, whilst a revised bumper detail incorporates a black rear diffuser for a more sporting look.

Inside, the 200's updates are in-line with its platform sibling, the Dodge Avenger. Chrysler has tried to ensure that the interior is able to compete with European rivals in terms of quality and equipment. As a result, this is where we see the most significant changes over the Sebring. Also new are a revised instrument panel, bezels, gauge face and a more ergonomic steering wheel to complete the interior revisions.

Honda Brio

2011-01-15T00:19:00.000-08:00

Honda revealed the Brio prototype at the Thailand International Motor Show earlier this week. Conceived as a commuter vehicle for use in urban areas, the new Brio follows the New Small concept the Japanese automaker unveiled at Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi.

Slated to be introduced in Thailand and India next year, the Brio aims to further Honda's "man maximum, machine minimum" concept. Measuring in at 3610mm long, 1680mm high and 1475 mm wide, the car's compact exterior dimensions are paired with an efficiently packaged interior to ensure sufficient cabin space.

Honda will develop unique versions for Thailand and India to reflect different customer needs in those markets. The company has also said it will leverage the resources it has cultivated through its motorcycle business and utilize local sourcing of parts and materials such as sheet steel.

The first Brio models will be launched in Thailand in March 2011.

Audi A6

2011-01-13T00:19:00.000-08:00

Audi today unveiled the new A6, the fourth generation of the its D-segment sedan. Measuring 4920mm long, 1870mm wide, and 1460mm tall, the new A6 is shorter and lower – but wider – than its predecessor, and has a longer, 2910mm wheelbase. The new car also features lighter body panels and improved powertrains.

The new A6's design undeniably lends itself to the Audi family. The familiar shape of the old A6 is still present, but the car has been thoroughly reworked. The obligatory Audi LED lighting has also been revised inside the more angular and aggressive headlights, that frame a more upright and prominent grille. The middle flank of the car is virtually untouched between generations, retaining the prominent shoulder and feature lines. Around the rear, the car gains a more squared-off trunk and rear deck, in keeping with Audi's current design language.

The interior of the A6 is a formal affair, with Audi's superlative perceived quality and attention to detail present in abundance. According to Audi, 'the salient element is the "wrap-around" dash inlay', that encircles the driver and the front seat passenger. The curved dash panels form just part of an interior with immaculate attention to detail, with a clear, succinct dial binnacle and detailed switchgear providing a quality feel.

Rinspeed Bamboo

2011-01-11T00:15:00.000-08:00

Set to debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show, the Bamboo is Rinspeed's latest concept, offering some insight into the creative mind of CEO Frank M. Rinderknecht. Somewhat tame in appearance to previous concepts, the Bamboo urges that 'anyone not blinded by horsepower orgies, chrome tinsel and top-speed frenzy should take a closer look'.

The exterior of the car is said to evoke feelings and memories of the South of France in the sixties. Its clean, uncluttered minimal bodywork features very little detail other than the taught shoulder line that falls into the rear light cluster. The semi-covered rear arch and lack of front grille are, by Rinspeed's own admission, resemblant of a 'grown-up golf cart'.

The Bamboo, as the name suggests, makes extensive use of the material throughout the interior. The seats and many other interior features are made from a bamboo fiber, whilst the simplistic styling of the exterior is likely to be carried over to the interior.

The electric Bamboo concept measures in at 3889mm long, with a wheelbase of just over 2000mm, suggesting that interior space is generous. Rinspeed says the 54Kw motor delivers sprightly performance whilst offering a 105km range.

Chrysler 300C

2011-01-09T04:15:00.000-08:00

The Detroit Motor Show will see Chrysler unveil its 2011 300C. Whilst benefiting from an extensive exterior refresh, the platform on which it is based remains unchanged, meaning that this 2011 model is little more than a face-lifted variant of the car that joined us in 2004.

The exterior of the 300C loses some of its forbearer's sinister styling; its imposing face has been substituted in favor of a softer, more rounded style, intersected only by the muscular wheel arches. The large Bentley-esque grille of the original has been reduced in size and is now framed by smaller lights that encase more intricate details. In side profile at least, the high shoulder line, weighty C-pillar and relatively narrow DLO remain to retain the familiar silhouette. The rear of the car has also undergone a mild redesign, receiving obligatory LED lighting in more upright and defined clusters, while the rear bumper sports a more sculpted look.

Inside, the car follows in the footsteps of the smaller 200 and aims to offer a more upmarket feel. Plusher and more tactile materials are used in abundance and the dash receives major alterations to accommodate a larger LCD monitor that forms the main focal point for the interior. A clearer dial binnacle and extensive use of softer leathers round out the interior updates.

Mini Paceman

2011-01-07T00:14:00.000-08:00

Mini has revealed initial photos of a new concept that will be unveiled at the forthcoming NAIAS in Detroit. Essentially a two-door variant of the Countryman, the Paceman concept retains the Mini family appearance from the front - the familiar chrome-ringed headlights frame the three-slat grille - but the Paceman sports a more defined and angular hood to emphasize its face.

It is in side profile, however, that the biggest distinction can be made between the Paceman and the Countryman. Larger diameter wheels, wheelarches and side skirts add an element of aggression to the design. The roof and pillar arrangement are arguably the strongest elements of the new vehicle: the more aggressive and sloping roof meets at a wide C-pillar to create a more dynamic profile. The rear lights are also new, positioned at the outer edges of the rear in an attempt to emphasize the new car's wider track.

Though the company has yet to reveal photographs of the Paceman concept's interior, we expect the predominant focus to be on the oversized speedo and distinctive minimal dash, as with all Mini interiors. The center console that becomes a central rail will also be carried over from the Mini Countryman, while individual sculpted rear seats that share a singular backrest create a fully contoured passenger support, cocooning the rear occupants.

GMC Sierra

2011-01-05T00:14:00.000-08:00

The GMC Sierra HD concept is a study into combining heavy-duty truck capabilities with a more believable off-road performance. Set to debut at the forthcoming NAIAS in Detroit, the concept adopts a purposeful stance with its wide track and tall profile. The major focal point of the truck is the large grille that extends down into the skid plate, which dominates the front end.

The boxy yet purposeful LED headlights sit neatly between the large grille and the bulbous arches, beneath which are large diameter off-road tires. The angular and taught exterior plays a unique trick in lending itself to cloaking the size of the truck, while also accentuating the proportions and masculinity of its design. The bed of the Sierra features a 'circuit board' protective cover and houses a 110v power outlet and air compressor in either rear fender.

The interior of the Sierra HD concept mirrors the simplistic and masculine exterior appearance, whilst being interspersed with luxury. Premium fittings, such as an integrated 80gb internal hard drive, two-tone grey leather seats and a steering wheel complimented by 'carbon-fiber' effect leather, adorn the cabin, while accessing the interior is made easier by the inclusion of power-assisted side steps that swing down to aid ingress and egress.

Nissan Sunny

2011-01-03T00:13:00.000-08:00

Nissan is reviving its famous Sunny nameplate for a new entrant to the burgeoning Chinese C-segment sedan market. The car will then go on global sale across 170 countries, under different names dependant of territory.

At 4,426mm long, 1,695mm wide, with a 2,600mm wheelbase, the Sunny is thoroughly conventional in its dimensions, yet there has obviously been a conscious effort to imbue this three-box sedan with a more monobox aesthetic, following on from the Nissan Ellure concept. Hints of the innovative LA concept car can also be spotted in its grille-dominated DRG, arcing DLO and high, short rear deck, created by pulling back the C-pillar. However these appear to be styling cues rather than true architectural innovations.

Inside, the Sunny's Micra/March roots are far easier to spot, with a familiar IP architecture and the inclusion of its smaller sibling's donut-like HVAC controls. The Sunny's emphasis is clearly on rear-seat comfort, its long wheelbase offering more than average leg room, while rear passengers are also treated to a separate HVAC system.

Kia KV7

2011-01-01T04:13:00.001-08:00

Kia is clearly keen to grab the last of 2010's headlines by releasing this teaser render of its upcoming concept, the KV7, due to be unveiled at the Detroit auto show.

The large crossover appears to preview a replacement for the Korean manufacturer's Borrego. While the exterior's clamshell tailgate, muscular wheel arches and Ford Explorer-aping lamp graphics (from this view, at least) may be directly relative to a production model, it's unlikely that the rear gullwing door openings will make the transition.

Its interior features lime-colored captain's chairs in the front and middle rows, a wooden floor covering and an IP that neatly mirrors Kia's 'tiger face' grille.

Bentley Continental GT

2010-11-07T00:14:00.000-07:00

Bentley has released full details and pictures of its new Continental GT coupe ahead of its official world debut at the Paris motor show.

Whilst clearly an evolution of the 2003 model, it features an all-new body and heavily revised platform. A more upright grille and LED-encrusted headlamps brings its DRG more in line with the larger Mulsanne sedan. Familiar design themes continue around the rest the car, but with a much greater sense of surface tension and crease sharpness. The complexity of the fender and trunk lid surfaces in particular showcase Bentley's extensive use of superforming in the manufacturing process.

A 41mm wider front and 48mm wider rear track, combined with larger, 20-inch wheels add to its muscularity, while horizontal tail lights enhance its breadth both physically and visually.

The interior continues the evolution with new, upgraded materials and equipment but the same double-cowl IP theme. New seats, which liberate more rear legroom, and more storage space increase everyday usability.

Opel GTC Paris

2010-11-05T00:12:00.000-07:00

The first official images of Opel/Vauxhall's new GTC Paris concept have been revealed ahead of the car's unveiling at the forthcoming Paris motor show. The three-door Astra-based concept previews the Astra sport hatch's successor and showcases the company's design evolution.

Mark Adams, GM Europe's vice president of design, has described the GTC Paris concept as "bold, pure and iconic" in its appearance. The bodyside features the brand's now signature 'blade' first seen on the Insignia, an element repeated in the head- and taillamps. Designers maximized tension though the flanks and in the shoulder to convey a greater sense of dynamism, which is also apparent in the upwards sweeping beltline and brushed aluminum trim that accentuates the DLO.

GM Europe claims that the production version will not stray far from the rakish lines of the concept and, if the GTC moniker is adopted, it will be the first time it will feature on a Vauxhall model. We'll bring you our own exclusive photos and our opinions of the concept once we see the car in the metal in Paris.

Hyundai ix20

2010-11-03T00:10:00.000-07:00

Hyundai has revealed the first images of its new ix20, a new B-segment MPV that will join the Korean automaker's product range in Europe later this year.

Following on from the ix35, the ix20 is the second European car to adopt Hyundai's new 'fluidic sculpture' design language.

The new car, which will make its official debut at the Paris motor show, has been designed and developed at Hyundai's European R&D center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, under the direction of Thomas Buerkle.

The car's name is said to reflect the new model's crossover-like versatility, which combines functionality with sportier driving dynamics.

Hyundai claims the ix20 aims to steer away from the boxy minivan image typically associated with the segment and appeal to buyers with young families.

BMW 6 Series Coupe

2010-11-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

The BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe appears to be a thinly-veiled version of the upcoming production version, due next year.

Like the current model, it retains a 2+2 coupe layout and while its exterior styling may not be as shocking as its predecessor's on its unveiling in 2003, it marks an evolution of the current BMW language.

Its face has a subtly evolved kidney grille and more drawn-back headlamps. This is most obvious in side profile, where the low nose, oval lamp graphics and heavily-contoured hood appears more dynamic from these images.

The shallow trunk lid and more generous glasshouse endow it with a litheness reminiscent of earlier BMW coupes.

Inside, the themes of the current car remain: the enveloping sweep of the IP, driver-oriented center stack and wrap-around door cards all remain. Its display screen is now free-standing whereas before it nestled under its own cowl. Bang and Olufsen have created the bespoke sound system.

Citroen Lacoste

2010-10-30T00:09:00.000-07:00

Citroën is poised to reveal an all new environmentally-efficient concept car at the upcoming Paris motor show. Called the Lacoste, the concept reflects its ‘back to essentials' and care-free roots through a minimalistic aesthetic that communicates a no-nonsense approach to motoring.

Designed as an emblem for a state-of-mind and a lifestyle, according to Citroen, the concept is devoid of a roof alluding to freedom, leisure and pleasure. Its high waistline, bulging fenders, short front and rear overhangs and golf ball-style wheels also represent Citroen's vision for turning the current 'always more' mantra on its head, focusing on the essentials that make motoring pleasurable all while retaining the highly sought-after 'premium' quality.

Inside, the simple dash is joined by a steering wheel that recalls that of the 2CV and Mehari, two of the more iconic and fun-loving designs ever created by the French marque. The technology on board also strikes a playful note, underlining the apparent paradox between design expertise and lightness of tone.

Lotus Elite

2010-10-28T00:09:00.000-07:00

Lotus has revealed the first photos of the new Elite, a 2+2 seat GT that provides a glimpse into the future product range of the reinvigorated brand.

The Elite, whose design is meant to convey elegance in its purest form, measures in at 4600mm in length, 1900mm wide and 1320mm high and weighs in at 1650kg, putting it firmly in 911 and Vantage territory. The aesthetic of the exterior is meant to communicate the capability of its front-mid mounted 5.0-liter V8 engine, which delivers up to 611bhp and can propel the car to 60mph from a standstill in 3.5 seconds.

Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar says 'market requirements' led to the decision to create the GT: "There will always be those who believe that Lotus should stick to small sports cars but we didn't take the decision to design something like the Elite lightly.

"It's worth noting this sector has been very successful for us in the past," he added.

Scheduled to be released in spring 2014, Bahar is confident the Elite will set a new benchmark in design, performance and emissions.

Peugeot EX1

2010-10-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

Peugeot will reveal the EX1 concept at its showroom on the Champs Elysees on 29 September. Created to celebrate the French automaker's 200th anniversary but also to highlight the possibilities offered by electric power in creating new driving sensations, the two-seat ultra-light EX1 concept is cloaked in a highly aerodynamic body, which, paired with two electric motors generating 340bhp, has already enabled the concept to break two world records for acceleration.

The monocoque a carbon/honeycomb composite body is based on a 'water droplet'-shaped architecture, with the car's rear section built around two closely set rear wheels. Peugeot says the roadster's aesthetic – which incorporates design cues first seen on the SR1 concept and reference the RCZ and BB1 – highlights the lightweight nature that guided the vehicle's creation.

The interior, finished in 'pure' metals and embossed leather, features floor-mounted seats, two control handles (rather than a steering wheel) and individual screens – one for the river and another for the passenger. The cabin is accessed through reverse-opening doors.

Mini Scooter

2010-10-22T00:05:00.000-07:00

The first two-wheeled electric Mini will make its world debut at the Paris motor show next week. The Scooter E, defined as 'spontaneous, flexible, CO2-free mobility in the characteristic style of the brand', features a host of Mini design cues transferred onto a vehicle with a much smaller footprint.

Mini is looking to gauge interest in a two-wheeled vehicle for lifestyle-led target groups with the Scooter E. The automaker claims the concept meets the mobility aspirations of those that value premium quality and advanced technology as well as sustainability, individual style and an emotional driving experience. It also sees the scooter as a means to attract a younger audience.

According to Mini, the design team identified new challenges for mobility in major urban areas just as the brand did with the original Mini 51 years ago, transferring the successful combination of driving fun, quality, design and individual style to a smaller vehicle ideally suited to cater to the growing needs or an increasingly urban society.

The Scooter E concept will be shown in two individual design versions in Paris – one a two-seat model and the other a single seater.

Audi e-tron Spyder

2010-10-20T00:04:00.000-07:00

Audi revealed the latest iteration of its e-tron product range in the form of the e-tron Spyder concept at the 2010 Paris motor show.

The roadster, designed by Wolfram Luchner (exterior) and Ivo van Hulten (interior), showcases the brand's electric propulsion technology cloaked in an emotional two seat package.

Read our opinions of the concept in our 2010 Paris motor show highlights and see the gallery below for more images.

Ferrari SA

2010-10-18T03:55:00.000-07:00

Ferrari will reveal the SA Aperta at the Paris motor show next week. Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, the new open-top car is an exclusive model that pays homage to Pininfarina on the company's 80th anniversary. Only 80 will be built.

Named after both Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina (SA), the V12 powered roadster features a light soft top designed to be used in only the most adverse weather conditions. The SA's profile arches back from the A-post to two aerodynamic fins integrating the two roll-bars, which mimic the outline of the seats, while its windscreen is lower to the ground than any other Ferrari model - an attribute the sportscar maker claims lends the car exceptional aerodynamic characteristics.

Its interior is 'stylishly sporty', according to Ferrari, and features sophisticated materials, trim and colors throughout. The virtually endless combinations available guarantee that each and every SA Aperta is absolutely unique. Too bad they're all already spoken for.

BMW X3

2010-09-26T00:37:00.000-07:00

BMW has unveiled its second generation X3 SUV. At 4648mm long, 1881mm wide and 1661mm high, it is longer, wider and slightly lower than its predecessor. This model steps back from the more controversial surface and graphical treatments of the previous model, yet the greatest change is a subtle shift in character, away from the traditional tall station wagon body, to one more in the mold of Audi's Q5 – almost a hatchback – note the side profile with faster raked rear screen, rounded DLO and lower, dipping roofline.

The most striking exterior element is the sharp crease in the body side, augmented by two secondary character lines over each wheelarch. Elsewhere, the lower body plastic cladding is better integrated into the overall form, while there are strong references to both X1 and X5 – the rear aspect being reminiscent of the larger car.

Inside, the X3 features higher quality materials including some modern-looking wood veneers. The cabin environment is more driver-orientated, with an angled center console and a novel, sweeping dash top that breaks away from the instrument binnacle, and wraps down the passenger side of the center console

Audi A7

2010-09-24T00:35:00.000-07:00

Audi has revealed the A7 Sportback, a five-door vehicle built on an all-new platform. The new car, previewed in concept form at the 2009 NAIAS, is said to employ the sporty elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon, according to the Ignolstadt firm.

The A7 Sportback is nearly identical the current A6 sedan in size, with a length of 4970mm and width of 1910mm, but the new car features a plunging roofline making it stand only 1420mm tall. The slim and athletic design (both keywords in the design process) is characterized by dramatic, flowing lines and a negative rear end shape inspired by the Audi 100 Coupe from the late 1960s. The A7 Sportback also has an impressive 0.28Cd and features a high proportion of aluminum for increased rigidity and lighter weight.

Inside, the A7 features a wraparound theme, inspired in part by yacht design: a horizontal line encircles the driver and front-seat passenger to provide a feeling of safety and security. The wave-shaped application strip is the salient element of the dashboard, which further emphasizes the lightweight theme of the exterior.

Kia Pop

2010-09-22T00:34:00.000-07:00

The Kia Pop will make its world debut at the Paris motor show, but the Korean manufacturer has released these digital renders of the electric city car concept in advance. At three meters long, the Pop is similar in length to the Toyota iQ. It features a wave-like front bench seat making room for a single rear occupant behind the front passenger.

Designed by a team headed by Gregory Guillaume at Kia's European design center in Frankfurt under Peter Schreyer, the Pop mixes the Sportage's strong surfacing with a playful lozenge-shaped DLO. The side window's angle and door handle position suggest scissor door openings. Kia's 'tiger' DRG seems to have been been reinterpreted into what one might refer to as a 'tiger cub'.

We're expecting fragmented lamp and inlet/outlet graphics to feature heavily in Paris and the Pop continues the zeitgeist hinted at by the Renault DeZir, with pixellated patterns appearing on its nose, tail and through its interior. Check back with us in early October to read our opinion of the design.

Mercedes-Benz CLS

2010-09-20T00:34:00.000-07:00

The original Mercedes CLS defined a new segment – which saw competitors spawn many imitators. Six years after it was introduced it still looks fresh and distinctive. The replacement car will be unveiled in Paris next month and, while staying true to the original CLS recipe of a four-door coupe in profile, deviates in style quite markedly from the outgoing car. It introduces the company's new design language that was previewed by the F800 and the sporting Mercedes coupe grille seen on the SLS.

Chief Designer, Gordon Wagener, says the new CLS "points the way forward for the future perceptible design idiom of Mercedes-Benz [but] takes its inspiration from the great tradition of stylish, refined sportiness which has always been a feature of Mercedes coupes". From the photos at least, we feel that historic inspiration has created some issues with the exterior design surfacing of the new car. The pronounced modern pontoon-line, diving side feature line running and rear door handle combining to visibly pinch the rear door, create some odd surface highlights and contribute seemingly excess mass to the rear flanks of the car.

Inside, the new CLS introduces a much more sporting interior that again references elements of the SLS, and distances the model from its E-Class underpinnings in a more distinct way than the outgoing car. Read our full reaction to the car when we see it in the flesh in Paris next month.

Chevrolet Orlando

2010-09-18T00:33:00.000-07:00

Chevrolet has released images of the new Orlando MPV due to be unveiled at next month's Paris Auto Show. Retaining a close resemblance to the Orlando concept shown at the 2008 Mondial de l'automobile, the production car features the same Crossover-style design theme, with a four-square stance, boxy fender volumes with pronounced wheelarches and a relatively shallow DLO.

The distinctive two-box shape will certainly make the Orlando stand out in a world of one-box competitors, yet the overall appearance–- while far from being without merit – seems to recall other vehicles on the market from certain angles: Kia Soul from the front three quarters, Nissan X-trail from the rear, for instance.

We will be interested to see the car in the flesh in Paris however, as two years ago we criticized the concept version for its apparent lack of development and finesse. The production car appears at first glance much more refined, with some neat detailing, such as the roof rail runners which turn down to flank the rear screen.

Images haven't yet been released of the interior, but Chevrolet promises an innovative 7-seat layout with some class-leading storage solutions such as a flip-front audio head unit with space behind for ipods, phones etc – similar to the design seen on the concept vehicle.

Mazda Shinari

2010-09-16T00:33:00.000-07:00

Mazda today unveiled the precursor to its next generation design language in the shape of the Shinari concept. A rakish four-door, four-seat vehicle created under the watchful eye of Ikuo Maeda, General Manager of Design, the Shinari showcases the company's new 'Kono' form language, which means 'soul of motion' in the Japanese company's native tongue.

The exterior design, created at the firm's Yokohama-based design studio, embodies a sleek, coupe-like aesthetic. The contrasting fusion of twisting forms is meant to communicate speed and tension whilst exemplifying allure - all three keywords in the design process. Measuring in at 4860mm in length, 1905mm in width and 1340mm in height, the Shinari has a 2900mm wheelbase.

The fluid form of the exterior is complemented by a driver-oriented interior that focuses on ergonomics and technology. Created at Mazda's California-based design studio, the cocooning cockpit, high quality materials and innovative HMI all point towards an elevation in perceived quality. Soft forms and crisp surface edges are balanced by high grade organic and technical materials, lending the cabin a sporting theme.

Toyota Verso

2010-09-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

Toyota is set to return to the mini-MPV segment with the new Verso-S, which will debut at the Paris motor show in September.

Like the Hyundai ix20 – also be making its world debut at the show – the exterior design of the Verso-S sports a more dynamic front face, but still seeks to embody the sportiness, comfort and practicality of the larger Verso model, unveiled at the 2009 Geneva motor show.

Measuring in at less than four meters – the shortest overall length of any B-segment MPV in Europe, Toyota is keen to cite – the Verso-S is shorter than the Verso, which is 4440mm long and seats seven passengers. The Verso-S will be a five passenger vehicle.

The company claims the new car is an object lesson in space management, with a practical, flexible interior design that maximizes interior space, benefitting versatility and comfort. Careful attention to detail within the cabin is also said to contribute to a higher level of perceived quality.

Dodge Durango

2010-09-12T00:18:00.000-07:00

Chrysler's Dodge brand has released the first photos of the third generation Durango. Built on the same platform as the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the latest iteration of the SUV features a unibody structure rather than the body-on-frame setup of its predecessors.

The Durango has never been a particularly elegant offering within the Dodge lineup, but it seems the company is looking to change this perception with this latest incarnation. The exterior design moves decidedly more upscale but also links the Durango with other models in the lineup. The front face is reminiscent of the company's Ram pickup truck but also has shades of the Challenger, particularly in the headlamp design. The bodyside also has more definition and the rear end design is elegant, though undeniably functional.

Interior photos have not yet been revealed, but Dodge is promising a spacious cabin and three-rows of seats. Created by the same interior design studio that designed the interior of the Ram and the new Grand Cherokee, the company is touting luxurious, refined materials and thoughtful touches aimed at increasing functionality and variability, with 22 different seating configurations.

Bentley Continental GT

2010-09-10T00:17:00.000-07:00

Opel GTC

2010-09-08T05:14:00.001-07:00

The first official images of Opel/Vauxhall's new GTC Paris concept have been revealed ahead of the car's official unveiling at the forthcoming Paris motor show. The three-door Astra-based concept previews the Astra Sport Hatch's successor and showcases the company's design evolution.

Mark Adams, Opel's vice president of design, has described the GTC Paris concept as "bold, pure and iconic" in its appearance. The bodyside features the brand's now signature ‘blade' first seen on the Insignia, which is also repeated in the head- and taillamps. Designers maximized tension though the flanks and in the shoulder to convey a greater sense of dynamism, which is also apparent in the upwards sweeping beltline and brushed aluminum trim that accentuates the DLO.

Opel claims that the production version will not stray far from the rakish lines of the concept, and if the GTC moniker were to be adopted, it would be the first time that a Vauxhall has been so named. We'll bring you our own exclusive photos and our opinions of the concept once we see the car in the metal in Paris.

Volkswagen Touran

2010-08-21T00:04:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen unveiled the new Touran at the Leipzig Motor Show last week. Though not an entirely new design, the revisions to the Touran were made to bring the car in line with other offerings in the Volkswagen stable - namely the Polo, Golf and the recently revealed Touareg SUV.

At the front, a new grille with horizontal lines sits atop a new front bumper, while revised taillights with LED bulbs join a new tailgate and bumper at the rear. Completing the revisions are a set of new alloy wheels and chrome-edged rubbing strips running down the side of the vehicle. The redesign is subtle, but sufficient to make the new model embody the classic, albeit conservative, design direction established by its recently refreshed siblings.

Inside, new trim finishes are joined by a three-spoke steering wheel ahead of a new set of dials featuring subtle white backlighting and a large electronic display to relay information on the vehicle's systems. A revised center console with chrome highlights houses new controls for the ventilation system. In keeping with the functionality of the MPV's ancestor, a total of 39 storage compartments can be found around the cabin.

Geely Englon TXN

2010-08-19T00:27:00.000-07:00

Geely is poised to show 39 new vehicles at the forthcoming Auto China 2010 motor show in Beijing, among them will be this new TXN taxi. While most of the new cars on show won't be built around entirely new sheet metal - some will feature new powertrains, for example - the Englon TXN is indeed all-new.

Sitting in Geely's Englon range, a sub-brand initially created for the taxicab, the TXN is intended as a replacement for the aging TX4 built by British automaker LTI (as well as at Geely's Shanghai Maples factory). The new design features a pronounced front end with a large grille, employing elements of the current TX4's face, while the rear is strangely reminiscent of the previous generation Lancia Ypsilon and Mini Cooper, particularly the taillamps.

Other new Englon range vehicles on display at the show will include the SX6 SUV, GV5 and SV5 MPVs, SC5-RV and SC6 sedans, and the GX2 Cross minicar. See them all in our gallery below. We'll endeavor to bring you more details on these cars and others revealed at the Beijing show next week.

SAIC Leaf

2010-08-17T00:27:00.000-07:00

The Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) will unveil this futuristic concept at next week's Beijing motor show. Called the Leaf, the new concept has no relation to Nissan's concept car shown in Tokyo last year. It is a much more fanciful two-seat concept car whose design is entirely open to the elements, and it also features a slew of environmentally-friendly technologies.

Incorporating both solar and wind harnessing addendums, the Leaf features innovative carbon capturing bodywork that can absorb CO2 and emit oxygen, as plants do during photosynthesis. The Chinese automaker claims that because of this feat, the car actually has negative emissions.

The Leaf sources power mainly through photovoltaic cells within its leaf-shaped roof (these position themselves toward the sun to garner the most energy) while mini turbines within the wheels use the passing wind to generate electricity and store it in its battery pack, supplementing power for the microbial fuel cell.

We'll bring you more details on the concept live from Auto China 2010 next week.

Great Wall C30

2010-08-13T00:26:00.000-07:00

Great Wall Motors will launch its C30 sedan at Auto China 2010 in Beijing next week. The new car is claimed to be the Chinese automaker's global car and could potentially see export to the European and other worldwide markets.

Though information on the new car remains scarce, Great Wall is reportedly conducting tests to ensure it will perform well in the European NCAP. And though we have yet to see the new car in the metal, it would appear that the carmaker (China's largest SUV manufacturer) is focusing on building vehicles that will appeal to buyers outside of the domestic market. If they are to succeed, build quality and design will be major factors.

We'll bring you more information on the new car once we see it at Auto China 2010 next week.

BYD S6

2010-08-11T00:25:00.000-07:00

This S6 SUV will be amongst five new models BYD Auto Co. is set to display at the Beijing motor show next week. The S6 will be the BYD's first SUV, but judging from these photos the new car's design seems to be akin to another similarly-sized SUV we've seen before - notably the previous generation Lexus RX.

Measuring 4740mm long, 1845mm wide and 1635mm tall, the S6 is only 30mm shorter in overall length and loses 40mm in width compared to the RX 350. It also stands 85mm shorter and rides on a 2715mm-long wheelbase; 25mm shorter than that of the RX. This isn't the first time we've seen a Chinese automaker copy an existing design and it surely won't be the last. But if copying is the greatest form of flattery, then Lexus designers should indeed feel privileged...

The S6 will go head to head with the Haima S3 and Chery Rely X5 domestic SUVs when it hits the market later this year. BYD's other new models on show will include the G6 full-size sedan, the M6 MPV and the I6 and L3 compact sedans.

Audi A1

2010-08-09T00:24:00.000-07:00

IT’S an A1-sized canvas! Meet the one-off £350,000 Audi that’s got the art world in a spin. And Auto Express is the only UK magazine to be given access to it.

This incredible eye-catching MINI rival is the work of Damien Hirst – the wealthiest and most collectable living artist. He shot to fame in the Nineties by pickling sharks and sawing farmyard animals in half.

The project has been six months in the making, and it all began with Hirst expressing an interest in painting an R8 supercar for a charity auction. Having worked closely with Sir Elton John’s AIDS Foundation, Audi decided to pluck one of the first A1s off the production line in Brussels, Belgium – a 1.4 TFSI S tronic in white – and get Hirst to work his magic on it in time to be auctioned at Sir Elton’s famed White Tie & Tiara charity ball.

The dilemma was the weight and shape of the Audi – the legendary turntable on which Hirst does his work had only been used for large, flat canvases. Several visits to the Brit’s biggest studio, in Brimscombe Port, Glos, led to experimental attempts with a host of body panels. It quickly became clear that painting an A1 intact wouldn’t achieve the desired effect. As Hirst would craft the finish from a gantry 10 feet above his spinning rig, the falling gloss paint wouldn’t land on the Audi’s vertical panels (like the rear quarters and doors). So, everything had to be laid flat.

Bare white doors, bumpers, bonnet, wings and tailgate were all unbolted from the hatch and placed on the turntable inside the studio, which is four times the size of a double decker bus.

Audi had to step in with a new roof skin and rear quarter panels, as these are welded to the steel bodyshell. In essence, these were painted, and the firm’s Technical Centre in Milton Keynes, Bucks, had to fit them to the shell, one by one. Hirst’s final touch was an autograph on the roof spoiler.

JAC Vision IV

2010-08-07T00:24:00.000-07:00

These renderings of JAC's upcoming A-segment rival have surfaced on the Web prior to the car's official unveiling at next week's Auto China motor show in Beijing. Called the Vision IV concept, the diminutive urban vehicle was designed at the Chinese automaker's Italian design studio in Turin.

Barely over a decade old, JAC (Anhui Jianghuai Automobile) is looking to make inroads into the city car segment. While the company currently sells the A0 and the Tojoy - a Pininfarina-designed A-segment car - in China's domestic market, JAC's primary focus is on larger vehicles, such as the Rein SUV, the Refine MPV and commercial vehicles. In recent years it has also developed the attractive B-Class sedan, in collaboration with Pininfarina.

Though details remain scarce, the Vision IV concept will apparently be fitted with an electric hybrid system to supplement its small displacement engine.

We'll bring you more information when we see the concept in the metal in Beijing next week.

Honda Odyssey

2010-08-05T00:23:00.000-07:00

Honda has unveiled its fourth generation North American market Odyssey mini van, set to go on sale this Fall. Previewed by the concept vehicle first show at this year's Chicago auto show and again at the New York auto show, the production model retains the design language and many of the features seen in the concept.

Most notable of these is what Honda refers to as the 'lightning-bolt' beltline - which kinks aft of the C-pillar - adding a degree of visual entertainment to an otherwise traditionally flat mini-van side profile and - so Honda claims - making it easier for third row passengers (who are likely to be children) to see out.

Measuring 5133mm in length, 1958mm wide and 1778mm high, the new Odyssey is 40mm lower than the outgoing model, which its makers claim combine with its 35mm wider track to make it look it look sleeker and more dynamic.

Inside, Honda has worked hard to improve the level of perceived quality and increased the amount of space for oddment stowage, along with increasing provision for multi-media and communications equipment to every seat passenger.

Range Rover

2010-08-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

It’s party time at Range Rover! Fresh from the launch of the Evoque, the famous British 4x4 brand is continuing its 40th birthday celebrations with this – the 2011 model year Range Rover. And Auto Express has driven it.   

While just some new lights and a fresh set of grilles and vents are the extent of the exterior tweaks, the world’s best luxury off-roader has received some huge changes under the skin aimed at improving performance but reducing thirst.   

Replacing the current 3.6-litre V8 turbodiesel unit is a new 309bhp 4.4-litre V8 engine along with a new ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. Inside it’s allied to steering wheel paddles and a Jaguar-style rotary gear selector.

The new unit uses one large turbo to do the majority of the work, with a smaller turbo cutting in to provide extra assistance. The sequential system, combined with the new gearbox, results in a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy – up to 30.1mpg – and a 15 percent drop in CO2, to 253g/km, removing the Range Rover from the top tax band.

Apart from the gear selector, up front it’s pretty much identical to the current car, but in the back there’s an increased focus on luxury with extras such as a 1200watt 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.

On the move, the 2011 Range Rover feels majestic. The new engine offers a lovely low V8 rumble and provides deep-chested performance while the eight-speed automatic always finds the right gear, shifting smoothly and quickly. With 700Nm of torque, it’s particularly impressive going from cruising to motorway speed, accelerating from 50-75mph in just 5.1 seconds.

Ford Kuga

2010-08-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

Ford's Kuga has a fresh new face! We drove the latest diesel model last week, but these cosmetic tweaks will also soon be available as part of a styling upgrade.

The exterior visual tweaks - including a new, more aggressive grille design, body coloured side skirts, and 19in alloys - are part of a luxurious new range topping 'Individual' spec that conicides with recent mechanical changes to the range, and will be available as an additional option pack on all Titanium models from August 2nd.

The Interior is also improved, with 'Ebony' leather upholstery, aluminium pedals on manual models, and scuff plates and floor mats with the 'Individual' logo. The cost of all the extra kit will be £4,000 including VAT, on top of the Kuga Titanium's £24,495 starting price.

Launched back in 2008, the Kuga was recently updated with a new version of Ford's 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engine, which is six percent more efficient than the 131bhp unit it replaces, and is being offered in either 138bhp or 161bhp guises.

Customers can also now spec four-wheel drive versions of the Kuga with Ford's six-speed Powershift dual-clutch automatic transmission, first seen on the Focus, although the auto 'box isn't as economical as its manual counterparts.

Range Rover

2010-07-29T00:17:00.000-07:00

Land Rover revealed the Evoque at an exclusive celebrity-studded event at Kensington Palace in London last week, ahead of the car's official unveiling at the forthcoming Paris motor show. Billed as a Range Rover (and not a Land Rover), the small SUV marks the 40th Anniversary of the original Range Rover and symbolizes the company's move towards developing more lightweight and frugal vehicles.

Virtually identical to the LRX concept revealed at the 2008 Detroit auto show, the Evoque is the first all-new Land Rover product designed under Gerry McGovern's stewardship. "Things that are smaller can take on more of a jewel-like effect, and that's very much been the mindset of this vehicle," McGovern said at the unveiling.

Though the interior of the car has yet to be shown, Land Rover has announced the appointment of Victoria Beckham to guide the direction of its design – the former Spice Girl has been appointed Range Rover's Creative Design Executive. We're not entirely sure what to make of that title – or even of the celebrity's association with the luxury off-road brand. Be sure to stay tuned for a more in-depth analysis...

Renault DeZir

2010-07-27T00:17:00.000-07:00

The Renault DeZir concept is the first Renault Design project led by Laurens van den Acker. When it's officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October it will lay a marker down for the brand's future design direction.

The 4225mm long two-seat sports coupe embodies Renault's new vision of 'simple', 'sensuous' and 'warm' designs. Its form language develops the fluid themes seen in previous Renault concepts but with a greater emphasis on surface than line. "My early inspiration stemmed from the liquid sensation, wave-like movement and contrasts in light associated with certain rippled surfaces," says Yann Jarsalle, lead exterior designer.

Perforated surfaces, rather than hard-edged boundaries, define the head lamp graphic and reappear on the rear deck and rear fender air intakes. Its Audi R8-esque metallic side blade is used to illustrate the aluminum-bodied DeZir's low weight of 830kg.

Asymmetric door openings reveal a cloud-like white leather bench seat, which appears to levitate above a similarly trimmed floor. The floating IP flows into the door cards and center arm rest while Renault's 'touch design' philosophy is still in evidence.

Nissan Quest

2010-07-25T00:17:00.000-07:00

Nissan has released a series of images of the fourth-generation US market Quest minivan, set to be unveiled at the 2010 LA auto show and due to go on sale in early 2011. Details of the car are scarce, though from what we can see in these images, it appears that the Quest may have grown in all dimensions, particularly in width.

The third generation Quest stood out in the minivan market due to its wave-like shoulder line, and its unorthodox resolution with the base of the A-pillar, hood, and fender. Nissan's images of the new car are darkened in an attempt to give a ‘teaser' feel but from what we can see, the profile of the Quest has retained some of the forward-diving nature of the previous car, but the overall resolution is much calmer. The car also features a striking new DRG. Yet the overall effect appears to have created a much more boxy, typically minivan style vehicle.

Inside, the Quest features some familiar Nissan parts and switchgear, the IP flowing in a double wave from a neat center-console, albeit one that contains a large gear-shifter, which we suspect may obscure some of the infotainment and HVAC controls from the driver's reach.

Peugeot 508

2010-07-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

The new Peugeot 508, previewed by the 5byPeugeot Geneva show car earlier this year, is the replacement for the D-segment 407 and the larger E-segment 607.

The 508 retains many of the design themes of the concept: a more restrained grille outline, diving headlamp graphic and embossed lion emblem surface convey a similar DRG. The sedan's three-light DLO is also intact as is the trunk lid's unusually high-set trim highlight, although the taillamps have lost their body color inserts. The wagon variant is 3mm longer than the sedan at 4810mm, its wide, square load aperture appearing to favor practicality over some of its rivals' 'lifestyle' remit. It would also appear the translation from show car to production car has resulted in a loss of surface tension and carefully considered stance, the 508 seeming rather bloated in comparison.

The solitary interior CAD image shows a restrained design, with a wing-like upper dash surface, brushed metallic inserts and dials. The gear selector appears to incorporate an illuminated bevel near its base.

Lotus'

2010-07-21T00:14:00.000-07:00

Radical changes are taking place at Lotus. Auto Express has learned that a raft of new models will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, including a new Esprit (pictured), two new front-engined GT cars and a new roadster. The models will appear in the form of concepts at the French event.

The news comes as the company served all of its European dealerships with notice. The shock move means all of their contracts to sell Lotus cars will come to an end in July 2012, as part of plans to completely overhaul the dealer network.The Norfolk-based company has confirmed that current dealers will be able to apply for new contracts under new terms.

More will be revealed at Paris, where the firm's five-year plan to dramatically increase profitability through its new range of more upmarket models, which will challenge Porsche and Ferrari more closely, will be outlined.

Golf rival revealed

2010-07-19T00:07:00.000-07:00

Plans for a hot new Mercedes are hatching out! This is the German firm’s stunning replacement for the A-Class – and it’s taking a big swing at Volkswagen’s Golf.
Auto Express has learned that the three-pointed star is readying a new small car to tackle the Golf, Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series. The vehicle is part of the luxury brand’s bid to steal younger customers from its arch rivals.

Based on a new front-wheeldrive platform, the compact hatchback will take its design cues from the F800 concept, which was revealed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Our exclusive illustrations give you the best idea of how the Golf-sized machine will look. And with a prominent grille, neat LED headlights, plus bold creases in its flanks and pert tail, it’s every inch the desirable, upmarket small car. Expect both three and five-door models to be available, along with a range of super-efficient petrol and diesel engines with stop-start.

As well as its stylish shape, the newcomer will boast a better-quality cabin than the Golf, plus increased comfort and safety. Prices will be higher, too, with sales beginning in 2012. The model is likely to wear the A-Class badge, and will be one of four key vehicles to come from Mercedes’ new front-wheel-drive architecture.
“In the next couple of years, we will launch additional cars where we don’t currently have predecessors,” global sales and marketing boss Dr Joachim Schmidt told Auto Express. “Our current A-Class and B-Class will be replaced by a new platform for four totally different cars defining new segments for Mercedes.”

Schmidt confirmed these models would not resemble the current A-Class and B-Class. Their MPV practicality has appealed more to older drivers. The new Golf-rivalling A-Class is due in two years’ time, while a compact high-roofed five-door B-Class with hybrid and electric options is slated for late 2011.

Nissan Leaf

2010-07-17T00:13:00.000-07:00

Nissan brought out a preproduction prototype of its coming Leaf electric vehicle and we got to drive it a few miles.

How was it? It was like a real car, only a lot heavier and much quieter.

It was also, surprisingly--how shall we say--substantial. We were expecting some kind of science project with loose, flappy interior panels and rattling, buzzing and whirring noises from all over. But there was none of that. The car had a fully finished interior with all of the sound insulation, padding and trim of a real car. Leaf buyers won't have to make any compromises in comfort. Five tall adults can fit easily with plenty of knee room and headroom, and there's even some space behind the rear seat for luggage.

If it weren't for its near-utter quiet, you might think it was just a regular car. Passersby seemed to think so. No one in Santa Monica, Calif., where we drove the Leaf, really freaked out about it. Perhaps because there's usually so much more to freak out about in Santa Monica. From the outside, it looks like a regular five-door hatchback, if in a somewhat bumpily bland body.

The Leaf has an 80-kilowatt (107-hp) electric motor that gets power from a 24-kilowatt-hour battery pack. That's a fairly good-size battery pack, weighing in at 600 pounds. It's less than a Tesla and more than a Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The fact that the battery pack is mounted amidships in a compartment so strong that it's a stressed member of the chassis--adding 40 percent more torsional rigidity, Nissan says--is reassuring. But as is the case with battery-powered cars, the 3,600-pound curb weight is more than you will find in a similarly sized gasoline-powered car. This won't be news to seasoned EV zealots, but we're guessing many of the new Leaf buyers will be surprised. The somewhat similarly sized, gasoline-powered Versa weighs 1,000 pounds less, for instance.

BMW X3

2010-07-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

Hulme CanAm

2010-07-01T00:07:00.000-07:00

New Zealand-based supercar manufacturer Hulme has opened orders for its new Hulme CanAm, a 200+mph supercar named in honor of New Zealand racing legend and F1 World Champion, Denny Hulme.

First revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2006, the Hulme CanAm is an ultra high-performance, mid-engined roadster created for both road and track use. Entirely designed and hand-built by the Hulme Supercars technology team in New Zealand, the road-legal car features an ultra-lightweight carbon composite tub and bodywork and weighs in at less than 1000kg. Powered by a Chevrolet LS7 V8 developing 600bhp, the CanAm measures 4712mm in length, 1958mm wide, 1095mm high, and rides on a 2830mm-long wheelbase.

Twenty customer cars will be coach-built and equipped to order, with delivery commencing in the UK in the autumn of 2011 and into 2012, the 20th anniversary of Denny Hulme's death. All production cars will come with an authentication certificate and be numbered. A 1/8 scale exact replica, finished in the same livery and specification, along with a full photo dossier of the car's build, will also be supplied to the new owner.

Suzuki Swift

2010-06-29T00:07:00.000-07:00

Suzuki has unveiled the third generation of its Swift supermini. Measuring 3850mm in length, 1695mm in width and 1510mm high, the Swift is 90mm longer than the previous version, while the wheelbase has grown from 2380mm to 2430mm.

Extensive use of higher-strength steel has resulted in the bodyshell being both lighter and stiffer than before. Suzuki claims that the intention with the new Swift's styling was to make the car appear more dynamic and energetic, athletic and elegant, sporty and emotional.

Clearly an evolutionary design, the exterior features a softer, more expressive DRG that features larger swept-back headlights and a prominent feature line, which better integrates the more rounded upper and lower grille apertures.

Suzuki say that the interior design features black keynote colors with silver accenting - but has not yet released photos of the interior, or rear of the car. European launch is scheduled for autumn this year. We expect the Swift to make its motor show debut in Paris in September.

Luxgen Luxgen7

2010-06-27T00:04:00.000-07:00

After revealing the Luxgen7 MPV, Luxgen has now revealed the Luxgen7 SUV, the second vehicle to be launched by the new Taiwanese brand.

Like its MPV stablemate, the SUV has been created under the direction of James Shyr, former Director of Design of GM's Global Design Leadership Team at PATAC. According to its maker, the Luxgen7 SUV expresses both power and confidence through its front face, which employs a wing-shaped chrome trim and cascading grille, while its coupe-like profile and upward sweeping beltline is meant to convey a sense of forward motion. At 4800mm long, 1930mm wide and 1760mm tall, the SUV is amongst the largest vehicles in its segment.

The interior design emphasizes the luxury aspect of the automaker's name - Luxgen is a blend of 'luxury' and 'genius' - and features an exclusive 'anti-theft sport seat' that slides forward and against the steering wheel at the push of a button, preventing unauthorized access to the vehicle.

Honda Odyssey

2010-06-25T06:52:00.001-07:00

Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL

2010-06-14T00:07:00.000-07:00

Nissan gave the Sentra a light refresh for 2010 with new front fascia, grille, front and rear light housings and body-side molding with chrome inserts. The changes on the outside would be hard for me to pick up on unless I had the updated model and the previous model side by side, to be honest. The current-generation Sentra has never stood out to me from a design standpoint and still looks a bit dull to my eye.

However, I did pick up on the new stereo head unit in the interior, which looks sleeker and is user-friendly.

The good news for your pocketbook is that Nissan dropped the base price across the entire Sentra lineup for 2010. In the case of our 2.0 SL model, the base price was reduced by $1,100 compared with the 2009 model year--not too shabby.

The car also stacks up well against the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. With a solid platform, the Sentra handles and changes directions quick. I was pleasantly surprised by the steering, which had nice weight and steering feel, unlike most regular Nissan vehicles. The suspension is competent to tackle daily road problems such as bumps and holes fine with some lean through turns.

Performance from the 2.0-liter is sufficient, and the CVT wasn't bad. I still prefer the operation of a good old-fashion torque-converter automatic instead of the drone CVT-equipped vehicles have under hard acceleration. Brake performance is also strong with a solid pedal feel.

The interior is straight-forward with good quality materials and plastics trim finishes throughout. As with the exterior, it's on the dull side, but is a comfortable enough place to be.

The thing is, simple and bland styling with competent driving performance and good fuel economy reigns supreme in this category. For that, the Sentra has it all down pat.

The Luxury Bugatti Supercarmaker

2010-06-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

Recently, there are some rumor that Bugatti, the luxury supercarmaker is trying to build something similar of its sister company Audi with the E-tron. As the Bugatti that always expect for high horsepower. Thus, they will be looking for the range of 800 horses in this new model and they will need help from the VW Group’s repertoire of electric drive train units.

So far the unit already been built but it is only for showcase of technology and no plan to make it into production yet. The prototype is designed based on the chassis of a Bentley Continental GT, with the electric motor, which powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery, created 2,200 Nm of torque deom just 0 rpm. However, this also made a problem of discharging the battery power after a simple bout of power.

BMW Mega City Vehicle at 2013

2010-06-10T00:04:00.000-07:00

BMW has announce that it will have its much-talked-about Megacity electric car on the market by 2013. Previously, the German automaker had only hinted that it would produce the urban runabout in the first half of the decade. Also of note is that the Megacity EV will be launched under a new sub-brand, much in the same way that the automaker has used its Mini branch to enter into lower-market segments without taking the chance of tarnishing the well-earned reputation of its corporate roundel.

Autocar is reporting that the Megacity will have a range of roughly 160 miles per charge, and about 20 percent of that range will be due to an aggressive regenerative braking system (yet another similarity to the Mini E). Further, BMW does not plan to lease its battery packs separately, as some automakers have hinted is a possibility. Instead, BMW believes that its packs will still have 85 percent of their stated capacity after the car’s lifespan is complete, making the power sources valuable on the used market to power companies.

2010 Saab 9-5 Aero XWD

2010-06-08T00:04:00.000-07:00

It's the first new 9-5 since 1997 and a key to Saab's planned resurgence as an independent automaker.

The next-generation Saab 9-5 will compete with a host of midsize luxury sedans, most prominently the Audi A6. Its 111.7-inch wheelbase is nearly identical to the A6's. With a length of 197.2 inches, the 9-5 is longer than just about all its potential competitors, including the A6, the BMW 5-series, the Mercedes-Benz E-class and the Lexus GS.

The 9-5 was ready for launch when a bankrupt General Motors began negotiations to cut loose the Saab brand. The car is based on GM's Epsilon platform, which also provides the foundation for sedans such as the Opel Insignia and the Buick Regal, and its engines and transmissions and are drawn from GM's inventory.

The 9-5 Aero XWD debuts in the United States as a 2010 model, powered by a 2.8-liter VVT V6 with a six-speed automatic and a new all-wheel-drive system developed with Swedish supplier Haldex. The V6 uses a single, dual-scroll turbocharger and generates 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

In the current fashion, the Aero also features a driver-adjustable electronics package called DriveSense. DriveSense alters steering weight, shock-absorber rates, shift points, throttle map and front-rear power distribution with a single three-option switch. The choices include comfort, sport and intelligent, which automatically adjusts electronic controls according to the driver's inputs.

When it reaches showrooms this July, the 9-5 Aero is expected to retail at a tick less than $50,000. The 2011 9-5 will follow by September, at which point Saab North America will add a four-cylinder, front-drive model starting at less than $40,000.

The base 9-5 gets a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo four delivering 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a standard six-speed manual. All-wheel drive will be optional with the four-cylinder.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X

2010-06-06T00:04:00.000-07:00

It's a turn-key race car straight from the factory which distills the Viper ACR down to the performance essentials, while adding in some of the features found on the tube chassis Viper Competition Coupe. Anything remotely close to being considered a luxury amenity is out, such as air conditioning, interior trim panels and a passenger seat. In place of those items are the race seat from the Competition Coupe, aero upgrades, a fire-suppression system, Michelin race slicks, a Momo steering wheel, a roll cage, a stiffer KW suspension, upgraded brakes, a transmission cooler and more power.

The heart remains the 8.4-liter V10, which gains forged pistons, a new PCV system, headers and freer flowing exhaust. It loses its catalytic converters to produce an additional 40 hp and 45 lb-ft of torque for a total of 640 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque. That, along with the 160 pounds of weight lost compared with standard production Vipers, aero improvements and tires, make for thoroughbred track beast.

With current-generation Viper production ending this summer, the ACR-X is the most hard-core limited-edition version that Viper Nation will be able to get their hands on. It's so hard-core that it's not street-legal. Twenty-five people have spoken for the first batch, with a second batch of 25 cars being considered for production if demand warrants.

The cars are eligible for the STO category in the SCCA with a restrictor and in a newly developed Dodge Viper Cup spec series that will be sanctioned by the Viper Racing League. The season kicks off the weekend of July 9 at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Va., and will be followed by four more events, each consisting of two races. Dodge Motorsports and Mopar plan to put up more than $200,000 in prize money and Mopar parts vouchers for the season.

BMW, Brilliance break ground on second plant

2010-06-04T15:56:00.001-07:00

100,000 BMWs annually before ramping up to around 200,000 units by 2012. BMW says that the plant’s maximum capacity is around 300,000 new cars – a figure nearly seven times the automaker’s current Chinese production capacity.

BMW’s year-to-date sales are up nearly 77 percent in China to around 22,000 units; combined with its MINI division, sales have climbed more than 100 percent over last year’s numbers. The automaker says that the new plant will significantly increase its available inventory.

BMW has struggled in China against Volkswagen’s Audi luxury brand, which has had the capability to build more cars in China.

2011 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design

2010-05-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sweden’s tumultuous auto industry dutifully and consistently cranks out modestly conservative, refined sedans – but occasionally a wicked little something sneaks through the cracks and reminds us that those Nordic dwellers like a little spice in their lives. Enter the refreshed 2011 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design.

Over the last decade or so, the Saab camp offered up the hot-rod 9000 Aero, the sprightly, torque steer-plagued 9-3 Viggen hatchback and the voluptuous Aero X concept car, but it is Volvo that is really known for uncharacteristic spurts of emotion sliced in between “respectable” family haulers.

“It’s not your Uncle Olaf’s Volvo,” touted ads for the then-revolutionary turbocharged 850 sedan more than 15 years ago. Volvo tossed its stodgy image aside and started to build outlandish bright yellow turbocharged wagons with Alcantara-covered seats and a Porsche-massaged five-banger. Ever since, the “I Roll” brand has, between building modestly luxurious sedans, wagons and SUVs, proven that it can rock, too.

What is it?
Slotted below the S40 sedan and V50 wagon, the C30 takes its general flair from Volvo’s iconic P1800 ES three-door wagons that debuted back in 1972. Those shapely wagonbacks only lasted for two model years, but their legacy has made them cult collector’s items.

The C30 was first introduced to the United States as a 2008 model (small car-friendly Canada got it a few months earlier as a 2007). Quirky and unique from the tail end, the C30 was virtually identical to the much more sedate S40 up front. To rectify this stylistic confusion, Volvo gave the C30 a far more daring front fascia for 2011.

Our test C30 featured the sport-oriented R-Design trim level, which adds a full body kit, partial-leather seats, a sporty steering wheel, a sport suspension, a few additional upgrades and $2,350 to the base C30 T5. All C30s in the United States come with Volvo’s ubiquitous 2.5-liter turbo five-cylinder (which means T5 in Volvo-speak) and either a six-speed stick or (as tested) a five-speed automatic.

Not cheap at nearly $33,000 as-tested, the C30 still smarts from historically challenging Euro-to-dollar exchange rates.

2011 Jaguar XJ

2010-05-19T00:10:00.000-07:00

Poised to pounce and newly transformed, the Jaguar XJ four-door sport sedan screamed out some power chords as we throttled it around Rock and Roll-ish West Hollywood, California. Jaguar chose the heart of the LA music scene to show the company has gone back to its sporting roots: Think of Austin Powers and the Mod ’60s on steroids.

Penned by Jaguar Director of Design, Ian Callum and his team of designers in Coventry, England, the new XJ draws visual cues from a wide variety of sources. Glance at the big sedan from some angles and you’ll see teardrops, sibling automobiles and its namesake animal, the Jaguar itself. Squint a bit while looking at the vehicle in profile, and you’ll imagine a shape slightly reminiscent of “the leaper,” the Jaguar leaping across the rear flank of the trunk, er, boot – the same cat that once resided as a hood ornament.

Jaguar Cars managing director Mike O’Driscoll, explained the company’s recent return to the sporting style and culture: “We lost touch with our soul. We have returned with the XK, the XF and now the XJ to the proper sporting cars that we were known for.”

Man walks into a saloon the other day…
For forty years, the XJ has served as the quintessential Jaguar. The large saloon, as it is known across the pond, has served a variety of uses ranging from executive transport to professional car (hearse and limousine custom builds) to family sedan for the ever-so-well-heeled. If the outgoing XJ had a North American counterpart, perhaps it would be the Lincoln Town Car. That’s hardly what we call sporty, but neither was the outgoing XJ.

2011 Ford Fiesta

2010-05-17T00:09:00.000-07:00

In Spanish, una Fiesta is often literally a multi-day celebration, which could encompass a carnival, holiday, celebration or party. With Ford’s North American-bound Fiesta, the company is hoping for all of the above when the Dearborn, Michigan, automaker releases the Fiesta four-door sedan or five-door hatch this summer as a sub-Focus, Euro-bred offering aimed squarely at trendsetters.

Available with a single choice of engine and two choices each for body style and transmission, Ford is hoping that the Fiesta is the next big (small) thing in automotive style among drivers, young and old.

From a base SE trim level, to SES Sport and SEL high line trim levels, there is clearly something for everyone – as Leftlane’s Mark Kleis learned early on as a Fiesta Agent by participating in Ford’s unique social marketing experiment.

Expressing yourself
Like Kia is doing with its Soul, Ford is hoping to conquest young and in-the-know customers that suddenly don’t find Toyota’s Scion division hip anymore. Words like “expressive,” “flowing,” and “sculptured” are words rarely uttered from the lips of Ford officials. Not so with this entry. Designed to compete against the natural predators in the segment, including the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa, it manages to hold its own both in terms of performance and in its ample feature content.

The Fiesta features Ford’s now-common kinetic design language to give the car the appearance of movement while standing still. Sporting the typical Blue Oval-adorned grille opening, the Fiesta sedan shows the now-familiar trapezoidal shaped intake seen on the Fusion and Taurus. Order the four door and, not surprisingly, you get a traditional three-box body with a trunk.

On the other hand, click the order box for the five-door hatch and you get the European-model front fascia with a body-colored grille and a floating blue oval logo. Headlamps lend “eyes” to the situation and show interesting lenses to spread the light pattern where it’s needed.

Scalloped side panels show body creases that add interest to the vehicle—as well as add strength to the overall vehicle. At the rear, a chamfered rear window is offered shade from a hatch-mounted rear spoiler. Overall aero is good to a drag coefficient of 0.33 Cd.

Ford Focus RS500

2010-05-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

Ford’s most iconic badge is back with a vengeance! First seen on the Sierra Cosworth that dominated saloon car racing back in the Eighties, the RS500 name has been resurrected – and this time it marks out the meanest-looking and most powerful Focus RS to date.

Made to mark the end of the standard RS’s production run, power from the already savage 2.5-litre turbocharged engine been cranked up from 300bhp to a colossal 345bhp. As the badge suggests only 500 examples will be sold, split between 20 countries, with just 101 cars allocated to the UK.

If the standard car’s swollen arches and feast of slashes and vents were a slap in the face, the RS500’s matt black bodywork and matching 19-inch alloys are a knockout punch. All 500 cars are painted in metallic Panther Black, before being wrapped in a stealth-like coating – which doubles up as protection against stone chips and scratches.

On the inside unique trim on the centre console, embossed with the RS logo, and a plaque registering your car’s place in the production run give a sense of occasion to what’s essentially a standard Focus interior. But as any Fast Ford fan will tell you, it’s what lies underneath that counts.

A larger intercooler, wider air filter and a freer flowing exhaust pipe, as well as an uprated fuel pump and an ECU tweak are all that’s required to liberate an extra 15 per cent horsepower, and trim the 0-62mph sprint from 5.9 to 5.6 seconds.

At low revs it feels just as smooth and flexible as the standard RS, but once the counter sweeps past 2.5000rpm the engine really hits its stride. The induction and exhaust noise engulf the cabin, while it pops and bangs like a firework when you lift off the throttle.

Gordon Murray T25

2010-05-05T00:07:00.000-07:00

Gordon Murray Design has unveiled the T25 prototype, a car that the company's founder, Gordon Murray, has long talked about as the vehicle that will revolutionize the automotive industry.

At just 2400mm long, 1300mm wide and 1600mm high, the T25 occupies a greatly reduced footprint in comparison to a Smart ForTwo or Toyota iQ. The T25 seats three, with a central driver flanked by two rearward passengers, in a formation reminiscent of Murray's most famous work to date – the McLaren F1. The car's size, combined with its front-hinged one-piece door canopy means that three T25s can be parked in the same space as a conventional vehicle.

However, the physical design of the T25 is only half the story. This vehicle is more than simply a stand-alone design, acting as a proof of concept for Murray's radical iStream® manufacturing technology. This streamlined assembly method means a 20 percent reduction in factory size and – Murray claims – reduces capital investment by 80 percent, as well as having a significant impact on material use, and lifecycle CO2 emissions for vehicles built using the system.

Valmet Eva

2010-04-29T00:07:00.000-07:00

This is the first image of the Eva, a new concept from Valmet Automotive. Currently responsible for manufacturing the Porsche Boxster and Cayman models, the Finnish supplier is also an engineering and manufacturing partner for the forthcoming Fisker Karma. This new concept is claimed to represent the company's ecological vehicle technologies.

Featuring a lightweight body structure combined with innovative electric and recharging systems from energy firm Fortum, the 2+2 seat electric city car is able to achieve a range of up to 160km on a single charge, according to the company.

Inside, the new car is equipped with a pioneering HMI that employs mobile handset connectivity, thanks to the company's cooperation with Nokia.